Paddy Durcan: from Mitchels Under 10s to the top of his sport
THE list of Mayo players to win an All-Star is quite an exclusive club, and even more so at Castlebar Mitchels.
Their own Paddy Durcan became the first player in the club’s history to win the award for his performances with the Green and Red during the 2019 All-Ireland championship.
On Friday, November 1, he collected his trophy at the PWC All-Stars ceremony in Dublin, but it was the following night at the Castlebar Mitchels clubhouse that really stuck with the now 28-year-old.
“It was a lovely thing for me to win,” recalled Paddy. “It’s one of the biggest things you get as a player. I was at the awards night on the Friday to collect the award, But the best thing was the following night. I remember going up to the clubhouse and there were hundreds of people there.
“It was such a lovely moment and very sentimental to me and my family, especially for what the club have done for us and what we’ve done for the club.”
Paddy’s journey to become the man and player he is today began, like many others his age, at Saturday morning Under 10s training, alongside his twin brother James.
“The two of us played with the same teams all the time. We’ve started with Mayo together also. Not many twins do that. It’s a great tribute to everyone involved.”
Looking back on how it began, Paddy added: “I was maybe eight or so when I started with the Under 10s and it was a routine to be there every Saturday morning. From Under 10s to Under 16s, there was a lot of continuity with the coaches, which was great for us.”
The dedication of those coaches is something Paddy always remembers and he has also played his part and got involved in coaching and assisting the younger player coming through the club.
“Mitchels is a great club. Even as we speak, they’re in a massive place. I’ve helped with the Under 21s in recent years. I’m not involved at present but anytime the club has asked me to do presentations with Bord na nÓg, I’ll be there.
“It has always been a whole club effort. I’m confident with all the underage structures in place and everything that has been put in there. From myself, I only have thanks and gratitude for anyone who helped in any way as they’re all doing it in a voluntary capacity.”